News Briefs

7/17/2013, Av 10, 5773

"Assimilation in French Jewish Community 60%"

Pierre Besnainou, a leader in the French Jewish community, lamented the lack of Jewish identity in a statement on Wednesday. He quoted statistics that indicate a 60-65% assimilation rate. Besnainou said he questioned the cohesiveness of the Jewish community in another 10 - 15 years. He added that French Jewish leaders were working with Israelis to develop new educational structures and teach Hebrew. Besnainou said the community sought funding to place security guards at Jewish schools due to the increased threat of terrorist attacks and Judeo-phobic violence. His comments come the same day it was announced a huge increase in French Jews moving to Israel. Besnainou is the Co-Chair of the Anti-Semitism Taskforce Committee of the Jewish Agency, a former President of the European Jewish Congress and the Founder of AMI, an organization seeking to repatriate French Jews to Israel.